'Things We Love about Charlottesville' Part 7

It's getting tricky now...but here we go! This part is all about why we love being in business in this area - and since many of you are dreaming of this, a bit of why it's so good here is in order.

39. Ok, not specifically to do with Charlottesville but...having a B&B isn't a stagnant occupation. There are new trends in the travel industry, in tourism, in how potential guests want to spend their time, and their money. We are grateful for our state bed and breakfast association, the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia. You only get out of an organization as much as you put in...so our advice is to participate! There are yearly conferences, regional meetings, and plenty of time for socializing with other innkeepers who are doing things in other ways. Always an opportunity to learn something from this group.

38. Next is our local organization, Inns of Charlottesville. There is a lovely network of 'local' B&B's who have gotten together to form a group, mostly to market what we do so well. And the socializing...some of my favorite people are fellow innkeepers I truly admire and who inspire me to do better every day. The winner will be lucky to have such amazing support already in place!

37. Scottsville in particular is an adorable town, with all the associated small town charms and quirks. If you get involved, you will see a lot of support from the Town - they want to see businesses succeed, and there is always advice to be had if you know who to ask...and we will point the winner in the right direction.

36. Speaking of Scottsville...we are incredibly fortunate to have the foremost, most sought after B&B consultant living LITERALLY a few miles away. Peter Scherman, of The B&B Team, lives here and has his office right downtown on Valley Street. Seasoned and Aspiring innkeepers from all over the U.S. pay to have his advice...and if you are lucky, you can catch him out for lunch, or stop in and ask whatever is on your mind. He is the best there is for sage innkeeping advice - and he's in our backyard.

35. Virginia in general is a great place for business. The state tourism arm has the MOST successful advertising campaign in the history of tourism ads...Virginia is for Lovers is talked about worldwide for it's marketing success. The Virginia.org website is one of the most visited tourism websites in the US, and participating is FREE. Some of the work of getting visitors in your door is already done for you!

34. Tagging right along with virginia.org is the local Charlottesville-Albemarle Visitor & Convention Bureau, or CACVB. Their marketing packages are pretty darn good, and again, participation is FREE. We have a gorgeous Visitor's Center, and the volunteers there are happy to recommend a sweet B&B...we will point the winner in the direction of those who are there to help!

33. This may come up again as a lifestyle reason to love Charlottesville, but as a BUSINESS owner, specifically one in which food is half your name...the food supply chain is unbeatable. From bakeries, to butchers, to Relay Foods for scheduled pickups when you are just too busy to shop (yes, it happens!), the support system for home cooks and chefs alike runs like clockwork.

32. Business services are also pretty darn good. The benefit of the rural atmosphere of Scottsville as a lifestyle isn't at all compromised by less than stellar professional services for your business...there are so many people who work from home, that finding just the right fit for an accountant, bookkeeper, or any other service you might want is pretty easy. Ask around, and you'll be amazed at the talent pool living and working right beside you here!

31. Local networking isn't limited to the Chamber of Commerce...many groups - especially in the wedding, restaurant, winery or tourism industry - host social events several times a year. We celebrate each others accomplishments, help spread the word about a new event location, and generally support each other! The saying goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats" and that is pretty much embodied in the hospitality business owners who are all working towards success in Charlottesville.

30. ...which leads to how wonderful it is to be a part of highly qualified, distintive, inspiring and innovative business owners, as you find in Charlottesville! Every issue of The Scout Guide Charlottesville is testament to the incredible quality and care that local business owners espouse in their everyday lives. The winner of High Meadows will be lucky to be a part of such community.